Dr. Roger Ilagan joins Merakris as Vice President of Research and Development, bringing over 15 years of experience advancing cell, gene, and biological therapies from concept to early phase clinical trials.
Prior to joining Merakris, Dr. Ilagan served as Vice President of Research and Chief Scientist at Tavanta Therapeutics, leading pharmacology and mechanism of action studies for novel peptide-small molecule conjugates. Previously, he spent close to a decade at United Therapeutics leading R&D programs targeting rare and orphan diseases. Highlights from his tenure include securing one of the first US IND clearances for an exosome product and leading the first-in-human clinical trial in preterm newborns at high risk for developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
An inventor on multiple issued patents for biological product innovations, Dr. Ilagan earned his PhD in Cell Biology from Duke University, after receiving his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri. His extensive expertise in translating pioneering science into promising new medicines makes him an excellent fit to advance Merakris’ vision to bring transformative regenerative therapies to patients.